On Friday (April 9th), all eyes were on four brave, adrenalin-fuelled adventurers at the official launch of the Talisker Bounty Boat expedition in Sydney, Australia.  The four-man international crew, bound for remote Tonga, where the voyage begins, bad farewell to family and friends as they prepared to set sail on the first ever authentic recreation of one of the greatest open boat voyages ever undertaken.

The Captain of the Talisker Bounty Boat is veteran adventurer and Australian Don McIntyre who has carefully selected his crew from countries around the world to embark on one of the most extraordinary stories of survival and sheer determination: Captain William Bligh’s 4,000 mile open boat ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ voyage.

The courageous crew includes young Brit Chris Wilde who won a global competition to search for a successor following the unexpected withdrawal of Mike Perham. With less than a week’s notice, Chris has left his friends, family and creature comforts to undertake an almighty yet exciting challenge on the open seas.

The re-enactment of one of the most iconic expeditions in nautical history, following the journey across the Pacific from Tonga to Timor, will start on the same day (April 28th), at the same time and in the same location 221 years after the original mutiny journey. The crew left Sydney on Friday to travel to the starting point to begin the Expedition.

The seven week Expedition aboard the Talisker Bounty Boat – a 25ft long, 7ft wide, open wooden vessel – will see the crew facing the same deprivations as the original crew that were cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific, including: no navigation charts; only two weeks of water; hardly any food; and a lack of everyday luxuries such as a torch or even toilet paper.

Alongside Don McIntyre and Chris Wilde the international crew also includes Australian Dave Pryce and experienced English sailor, David Wilkinson. 

Not content with just taking on this huge challenge, McIntyre and the crew are also attempting to raise over $250,000 for The Sheffield Institute Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease (SIF), which is building the world’s first research Institute into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 

McIntyre does not underestimate the challenge ahead: “We’re incredibly excited to launch the Expedition today, leaving the city and our loved ones bound for the starting point. We will be getting close to the experience of Captain Bligh and his crew; however everyone aboard the Talisker Bounty Boat will be pushed to the limit of endurance and survival, forever hungry and unsure of everything, except their own desire to fight through this.”

The voyage is sponsored by Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the only single malt whisky from the Isle of Skye which is also the origin of Don McIntyre’s ancestry. His grandparents emigrated to Australia from Skye shortly after their marriage in 1901. 

To follow the expedition and donate to this cause, visit http://www.taliskerbountyboat.com/.

Woodford Reserve® Bourbon Unveils World’s Most Exclusive Mint Julep Cup

Proceeds from 73 collectible Tiffany & Co. silver cups to benefit Barnstable-Brown Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Center

Louisville, Ky., April 12, 2010 – Woodford Reserve bourbon will celebrate the glamour and glitz of the Kentucky Derby® with the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Luxury:  the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience will feature a collection of 73 silver cups designed by Tiffany & Co. exclusively for Woodford Reserve. Proceeds from the cups will benefit The Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Center.

“We are so delighted to have the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Center be the beneficiary of this year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales,” said Tricia Barnstable Brown. “This wonderful partnership will further help the cause of diabetes research, education and care for years to come.”

Owners of the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will enjoy a mint julep featuring a unique set of ingredients from around the globe: raw-cane sugar made from 100 percent organic sugar cane grown in Brazil; Kentucky Colonel Mint from Louisville, KY which was grown in a used Woodford Reserve bourbon barrel; ice made of water from a 10,000-year-old glacier in the far northern region of the Pacific Ocean near the Gulf of Alaska; and a small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon. The 73 silver cups will be presented on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs® in The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience located near the clubhouse escalator inside Gate 10.

“Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Tiffany & Co. to bring horse racing fans the most well-crafted mint julep cup ever to be sold,” said Wayne Rose, Woodford Reserve brand director.  “Through the sale of these julep cups, we look forward to assisting The Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center.”

“Tiffany’s great heritage of sterling silver craftsmanship was established in the late 19th century with the trophies our silversmiths created for the great horse races of the period,” said Diane Brown, vice president of Tiffany & Co. “We are gratified to continue that heritage with the creation of these silver cups for Woodford Reserve bourbon for presentation at this year’s Kentucky Derby and for the benefit of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center.”

Fans will also be able to follow Woodford Reserve online from exciting Derby events and activities via Twitter at @derbyinsider. Visit www.twitter.com/derbyinsider for all the details.

How to Purchase a Cup

Starting April 12, 2010 at noon, (EDT) consumers age 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the 73 cups. Presented on one day, at one place only, all cups purchased must be picked up by the buyer or the buyer’s proxy on May 1, 2010, Kentucky Derby Day at historic Churchill Downs.

The Exclusive Cup

73 Cups are being sold online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis. This will be the 73rd year that the Mint Julep has been recognized as the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Each individually numbered cup is presented with a sterling silver sipping straw and features the Woodford Reserve logo along with a unique horse racing design.  The handmade silver cups have been designed by Tiffany & Co. and come with a sterling silver sipping straw. Each cup will be presented in a unique Tiffany & Co. “blue box” and will be set in a Woodford Reserve casing made from the same wood as Woodford Reserve barrels are made. The cups will be on sale from April 12-28 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com for $1,000 on a “first come, first buy” basis. Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.

The Mint Julep Cup’s Exotic Ingredients

The $1,000 Mint Julep will be made with the most exotic ingredients in the world

Organic Turbinado raw-cane sugar made from 100 percent organic sugar cane grown in Brazil. This sugar provides a smooth, mellow and rounded flavor, perfect for the world’s most exotic Mint Julep.
A special Kentucky Colonel Mint from Louisville, KY which was grown in a used Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrel.
Ice made of water from a 10,000-year-old glacier in the far northern region of the Pacific Ocean near the Gulf of Alaska. This iceberg is by far the rarest and purest type of water on earth, pre-dating man and pollution.
A small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon, selected specifically for the $1,000 Mint Julep.
 

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve, the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby”, is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky – the heart of thoroughbred country. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by the Brown-Forman Corporation. For 140 years, Brown-Forman has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands.  The company’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide.  For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com, and for more information on Woodford Reserve visit www.woodfordreserve.com. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly.

About Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com or call the shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

About the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes & Obesity Center

The goal of the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center is to organize and integrate clinical and scientific approaches to enhance diabetes and obesity research and clinical practice at the University of Kentucky. Since 2008, all proceeds from the annual Barnstable Brown Gala go to develop this large-scale center that brings together the University’s breadth and depth of researchers, educators and clinicians focused on diabetes and organizes them to attack the problem collaboratively.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Oaks on April 30, 2010. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24, through Sunday, July 4.  Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2010.

If you travel around the world, hosting whisky tastings and attending events, you’ll know the most important thing you need – other than The Best Sprit in the World and a winning smile – is a decent pair of shoes.

This goes some way to explaining why I held an exclusive nosing and tasting recently for customers of Lodger, a bespoke shoemaker in London…

Twenty gentlemen enjoyed learning at first-hand the whisky-making process as well as an overview of the history and geography of Orkney, the correct glassware to employ and how to taste whisky. This was followed by a range-tasting of our hand-crafted whiskies for those who appreciate the finer things in life, such as handmade shoes.

In return, those nice people at Lodger are happy to offer 15% off for anyone who mentions Highland Park when placing an order. If you can get to London, drop by the shop at 15c Clifford Street, W1, for a glass of Highland Park and a chat about your footwear requirements.

Otherwise, simply visit their excellent website.

Spoil yourself with some country brogue boots for your next trip to Orkney.

Read about the Highland Park tasting in Gentleman’s Corner; www.gentlemanscorner.com

To find out more about Lodger visit www.lodgerfootwear.com

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
 

Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

Early Times Kentucky Whisky Releases Commemorative 150th Anniversary Bottle

Louisville, Ky. (April 9, 2010) – Early Times Kentucky Whisky, first distilled in 1860 in Early Times Station, Kentucky, is a whisky known for its rich heritage and mild taste profile. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the brand, Early Times Kentucky Whisky will release a one-time, limited release expression in a 375ml commemorative bottle.

Although the year 1860 congers up images of “early times” today, at the time, the brand’s original distillers believed the industry was turning too modern, too quickly, and wanted a brand that captured the “good old days.” Thus, the brand name Early Times was selected to remind consumers of the old-fashioned methods of making whisky – mashing grain in small tubs and boiling the beer and whisky in copper stills over open fires.

Closed by Prohibition, the distillery, brand and barrel inventory was acquired by medicinal whiskey permit holder Brown-Forman Distillers in 1923.  Brown-Forman moved the production of Early Times to Louisville, Kentucky in 1935 where it has thrived to this day.  Every drop is distilled under the late 1800’s permit number DSP – 354. 

 “This commemorative bottle celebrates the rich history of Early Times’ role as the second oldest continually produced whisky brand in America,” said Joe Murray, brand manager for Early Times. “While Early Times is now made with modern methods, its name still invokes images of the good old days and still provides a welcome reward at the end of a hard day’s work. As one of America’s top selling Kentucky Whiskies for the last 60 years it still lives up to its reputation as ‘The Whisky that made Kentucky Whiskies Famous.’ 

The Early Times 150th anniversary edition will come in a unique 375ml bottle at 100 proof and carry an Early Times retro 1920’s label. The distillery will produce only 3000 cases which will be available in 20 US states at a suggested retail price of $11.99.

“Early Times 150 is crafted to emulate the flavor profile the brand would have possessed in 1923 when it was acquired by Brown-Forman,” said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller. “Most whisky aficionados who have been treated to a prohibition-era medicinal whisky taste a late bottling. These contain whisky that was aged up to three times longer than the distiller planned. In 1923 Brown-Forman began bottling 5-6 year old Early Times as medicine. This bottling, with its light honey color, mellow oak, brown sugar, vanilla aroma and simple sweet corn, vanilla and faint butterscotch taste bring back the best of a by-gone time – an Early Times to remember.”

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:

Early Times Kentucky Whisky is made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Old Forester, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes.  Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.

###

___________________________________________________________

The Best TIMES Are Enjoyed Responsibly

Early Times Distillery Co., Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alc. by Volume, Louisville, KY

©2010 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark

Sensational New packaging for The Antiquary

As part of its global strategy to establish ‘The Antiquary’ as a key brand within the deluxe blended whisky market, J&W Hardie Ltd have revamped the brands packaging. The new packaging is designed to enhance the quality, value and brand awareness of The Antiquary but also to give the brand a more modern look and feel, while maintaining its heritage.
The two expressions of the Antiquary, the 12 year old and the 21 year old are distributed in 25 countries throughout the world. As part of the new look the company has enhanced the iconic diamond cut bottle by updating the J&W Hardie Logo and firing it onto the glass using gold ink. The stunning new labels and gift packs now have a bolder, more modern look and a sense of sophistication which has been created through the use of luxurious gold inks.

This redesign comes at a time when J&W Hardie are expanding distribution of The Antiquary into the South American market by securing distribution agreements in Brazil and Argentina. It is also their intention to target key markets in South and South East Asia.

Robert Anderson Managing Director of J&W Hardie Ltd which is a subsidiary of The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd , commented “ We feel that in The Antiquary we have a brand with massive potential that has perhaps thus far not been utilised properly by the company. Although current market conditions are still tough there is definitely still an appetite out there for top quality premium brands. We see massive potential in some South American markets and parts of Asia for the Antiquary and always mindful of our customers’ expectations in taste and design, we are more than delighted with this packaging development”.

Visit The Antiquary at http://www.antiquary.co.uk/

The Story Behind The Idea

How it’s Made

Since 1958, the Maker’s Mark® Distillery in Loretto, Ky., has made only one thing — Maker’s Mark Bourbon. It was Bill Samuels, Sr.’s pioneering spirit that led him to experiment with soft red winter wheat as the flavoring grain, in place of rye, that ultimately created the taste profile that is so unique to Maker’s Mark. His idea not only changed the bourbon category forever, but his philosophy of combining “taste good” with “good taste” has remained the core of the brand’s guiding principles to this day.

In the innovative spirit of Bill Samuels, Sr., and at the consistent prodding from bourbon lovers, taste-makers and our Ambassadors, Master Distiller Kevin Smith began experimenting to see if we could come up with something new and different that would be true to the craft and heritage of Maker’s Mark.

After many bad ideas, Kevin came to the conclusion that the foundation for our new bourbon would be our own fully matured Maker’s Mark. Kevin’s next decision would prove equally insightful. He decided to enlist Brad Boswell, owner of our barrel maker, Independent Stave, to provide technical assistance. Brad’s passion soon equaled Kevin’s passion to create
something new and different. Together they experimented tirelessly, realizing that their creation could not and should not come from artificial flavors. Instead, the creation should come naturally from grains and wood. Finally, in December 2009, they exclaimed, “We think we’ve got it!”

Maker’s 46 is the first new product ever from Maker’s Mark Distillery, and we are the only distillery to use this stave process in creating bourbon.

Maker’s 46™ Bourbon Whisky, 47% Alc./Vol. ©2010 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

Maker’s 46 Tasting Notes
Age To Maturity Proof 94

Aroma Pleasant, sweet, toasty oak nose with caramel overtones. More intense aroma without an alcohol nose.
Taste Rich, creamy seared-oak flavors; caramel and vanilla notes linger on
the front of the palate, but it is still soft enough to hold on the tongue
even at 94 proof.
Finish A big, mouth-watering oaky finish. Long with a little spice, staying forward on the palate without the bitter bite found in older whiskies

Why the number 46?

During the experimentation process, Brad and Kevin tried manipulating oak staves in a variety of ways for different flavors, and it was through that  process that Maker’s 46 got its name. 46 was the profile number assigned by Brad Boswell to the process used to sear the oak staves that proved successful in creating the taste profile that Kevin and Brad had been working to achieve.

Visit Maker’s Mark at http://www.makersmark.com/

April 2010 Recent Awards

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a fantastic 20 Liquid Gold Awards from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010. 

Liquid Gold Awards have been created to celebrate the highest quality and standard of whisky around the world, which means that only those scoring 94 points or more qualify. Representing only a small number of the 4,000 whiskies featured in the 2010 edition, these Liquid Gold whiskies are in Jim Murray’s opinion the elite of our industry; the very best that can be found therefore this is a great achievement from Duncan Taylor.

Some of our top whiskies which received an award are shown below, to view a full list of the whiskies which received a Liquid Gold Award, please follow this link: http://www.duncantaylor.com/awards.htm

Rare Auld, Inverleven 1979
Rarest of the Rare, Glenlochy 1980
Rare Auld, Port Dundas 1973
Rare Auld, Glengarioch 1988

 
Rare Auld, Macallan 1988

 
Rarest of the Rare, Glen Mhor 1975

*The 2010 Whisky Bible was released in October 2009

Duncan Taylor & Co Ltd
Whisky Merchants and Brokers,
4 Upperkirkgate, Huntly,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 8JU
  website: www.duncantaylor.com
email: info@duncantaylor.com
Phone: +44 (0) 1466 794055
Fax: +44 (0) 1466 794618
 

Purveyors of the worlds most exclusive range of Scotch Whiskies

William Grant & Sons Celebrates #1 Position in Canada 30th Anniversary with Agent PMA Canada

Grant’s Canada’s Number One Blended Scotch Whisky

March 30, 2010 – Peter Gordon, Chairman of William Grant & Sons, marked the 30th Anniversary of its Canadian distributor, Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. (PMA) with a very special blend of Grant’s 30 YO Whisky. William Grant & Sons, distillers of Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Grant’s Blended Whiskies, was a founding supplier to PMA, now the largest independent agency in Canada. More than 300 industry members, employees and customers in Edmonton paid tribute to 30 years of market leadership in Canada.

“Right from the beginning this has been a special partnership. With PMA’s support over the past 30 years, William Grant & Sons products have become category leaders right across the board” says Mr. Gordon, fifth generation descendant of the company’s founder, William Grant.

To mark the anniversary, William Grant & Sons’ Malt Master, Brian Kinsman created a very special 30 YO vintage of Grant’s Whisky. Only 200 bottles have been produced for members of the William Grant & Sons Canadian partners.

“Canada is a very special place for our company and our family,” says Peter. “Lord Mount Stephen, founder of the CPR, introduced John Grant, William’s son, to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1905, and that cemented our relationship to Canada.”

Today PMA represents wine, spirits and Beers from all over the world and sells 2.5 million cases per year.

PMA Canada was founded in 1979 by Peter Mielzynski to represent fine wines and spirits across Canada and William Grant & Sons was their first major supplier.

The partnership has been responsible for the success of such internationally renowned whiskies as Grant’s Family Reserve and Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky.

Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky, in its iconic triangular bottle, is one of the worlds best loved. Grant’s is enjoyed in over 180 countries worldwide and ranks fourth in terms of global sales. In 2009 Grant’s Family Reserve took Gold at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).

To produce Grant’s Blends, the company selects the finest single malt and grain Scotch whiskies—including their own Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and its Girvan Grain Scotch whisky—and skillfully and harmoniously blends them together. A typical blend of Grant’s will consist of 20-30 malt whiskies and 1-3 grain whiskies, to achieve its deliciously complex taste and its classic long, and smooth finish.

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. The Company distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and the world’s number four blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin.

Ian Macleod Distillers in good standing for TFWA* Asia Pacific 2010

April 2010, Edinburgh; Independent, family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, has unveiled a dramatic new look for this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific (9-13 May), launching an innovative bespoke stand, designed to showcase the company’s growing portfolio of award-winning travel retail brands. See Stand N31. 

The investment in the new, improved exhibition space represents the next phase in Ian Macleod Distillers’ initial five year travel retail sales and marketing strategy. This strategy commenced in 2007 with the appointment of Andy Lane as Director of Travel Retail and the launch of the company’s first ever travel retail exclusives, Smokehead Extra Rare and Glengoyne Burnfoot.

Moving away from the original shell scheme and traditional, standard glass displays, the new open design uses clean sharp lines with bespoke laminate white cases and custom-built lightbox. Combined with high impact branding and an informal meeting area, the new stand will give Ian Macleod higher visibility at the show, projecting the company’s dedication and investment in travel retail.

Key brands on display on Stand N31 at TFWA Asia Pacific include the ultra premium Glengoyne Highland Single Malt 40 Years Old and Chieftain’s Springbank 40 Years Old. Both luxury products will be accompanied by many other premium expressions including Glengoyne Highland Single Malt 14 Years Old litre, Smokehead Extra Rare and Smokehead 18 Years Old Extra Black. The hugely successful King Robert II Scotch Whisky will be presented in a new 50cl PET and the exclusive, stylish, award-winning Glengoyne Burnfoot, redesigned last year, will also be on display at TFWA Asia Pacific in litre and new 50cl PET variants.
 
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “We are delighted with the finish of our new exhibition stand, which perfectly reinforces our strong and growing commitment to our global travel retail offering.

“Over the past three years, our travel retail sales and marketing strategy has focused principally on developing exciting new premium travel retail exclusives. We are now in a position to offer an enviable portfolio with global appeal, which our new stand shows off to maximum effect.” 

Andy Lane commented: “TFWA Asia Pacific 2010 is already shaping up to be our most successful show to date. Our eye-catching exhibition space will not only play an essential role in attracting new and existing business partners, it will ensure Ian Macleod project a consistent and professional image between Cannes and Singapore, as well as building a stronger brand identity overall.” 

“Ian Macleod Distillers has already achieved its strategic business objective set for 2012 to increase travel retail sales from eight to ten percent of the overall business. This is a fantastic achievement of which we are rightly proud but we will not rest!”
 
Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of the largest and most widely respected independent family companies within the spirits industry. The award winning Ian Macleod portfolio, which includes Glengoyne, King Robert II, Langs and Smokehead, as well as gin, rum, and vodka, currently has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 markets worldwide. 

Andy Lane and the travel retail team look forward to meeting both trade customers and press at the Ian Macleod Distiller’s Stand N31 at TFWA Asia Pacific, 9-13 May 2010. To book an appointment, please contact: andy.lane@ianmacleod.com

For further information visit:

 www.ianmacleod.com or www.tfwa.com

Ian Macleod  encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
-Ends-

* TFWA = Tax free World Association

Diageo launch the next batch of their single-cask collection of Malt Scotch Whiskies

Following the first batch launched in September, and a second collection released in January, Diageo are now launching the third batch of their single-cask collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Among the seven expressions that feature in this third release are several single malts familiar to many malt whisky drinkers  –  Caol Ila™, Glenkinchie™, Glen Ord™ and Royal Lochnagar™.
But Dailuaine™, Inchgower™ and Mannochmore™ normally enjoy only very limited availability.

Each of the whiskies is drawn from one single oak cask, picked after a careful examination of distillery stocks, and bottled at its natural cask strength.

The collection encompasses all 27 of Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies  –  the first time that Scotland’s biggest estate of Single Malt distilleries has issued a comprehensive series of single-cask bottlings. Labelled The Managers’ Choice because of the way the whiskies were selected, each distillery is represented by a special bottling of its Single Malt Whisky .

The rare limited-edition series is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs who will enjoy owning and exploring an unusual expression of their favourite Single Malt or even a whole anthology of highly individual Single Malts, chosen to represent a unique take on each of the 27 distilleries’ distinctive distillery character.

The releases are being staged in four batches over several months, starting in September 2009 and concluding in May 2010.

For each Single Malt, the cask was nosed, tasted, discussed and finally chosen as a highly distinctive expression of that distillery’s Single Malt by a judging panel of acknowledged experts, including leading maturation experts and the distillery managers themselves.

In many cases, unusual cask woods will have had their influence on the final result. Perfect maturation and spirit quality have been the criteria, resulting in a bottling that delights with original and sometimes unexpected flavours whilst allowing the distillery character to still shine through.

Depending on the size of the cask and the rate of evaporation over the years since it was filled, the volume of bottles obtained from the chosen casks can vary between approximately 640 and as little as 200. These are, consequently, extremely rare and distinctive whiskies.

Classic Malts Selection™ spokesperson Nick Morgan said: “This series has provoked a great deal of interest and comment. Many serious buyers, including those who know and enjoy our malt whiskies in their more familiar bottlings, are fascinated by the unique and unexpected insights and flavours that The Managers’ Choice offers. All of the whiskies intrigue and delight: some are simply outstanding.”

Full details, including tasting notes, are displayed on the Classic Malts Selection™ website www.malts.com. The updated website content includes the story of The Managers’ Choice and the selection process, a “Meet the Managers” page where they talk about The Managers Choice collection & questions related to the world of whisky, whisky tasting notes & audio, Q&A with a Sensory Expert, and details of where to buy the whiskies. Whisky enthusiasts registered as Friends of the Classic Malts™ have been given early notice of the launch.

Distribution

The Managers’ Choice bottlings are available from specialist retailers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Benelux only.

Previous releases

September 2009 saw the first release of six malts: Cardhu™ (1997), Glen Elgin™ (1998), Linkwood™ (1996), Mortlach™ (1997), Oban™ (2000) and Teaninich™ (1996).

The second release in January 2010 comprised Blair Athol™ (1995), Cragganmore™ (1997), Dalwhinnie™ (1992), Dufftown™ (1997), Glen Spey™ (1996), Strathmill™ (1996), and Talisker™ (1994).

Release details – third release

Caol Ila 1997 366 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Rich sweet smoke with dried fruit aromas.

Dailuaine 1997 564 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Sweet woody aroma with smooth bitter notes.

Glen Ord 1997 204 Bourbon – American Oak Soft aroma.  Creamy with a lingering spicy finish.

Glenkinchie 1992 528 European Oak Fresh.  Cereal flavour with a hint of vanilla.

Inchgower 1993 564 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Sweet sherry nose with a long woody finish.

Mannochmore 1998 588 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Fruity Sweetness with a cereal taste.

Royal Lochnagar 1994 528 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Creamy with sweet citrus fruit aromas.

The UK RRP are as follows:

Caol Ila £300
Dailuaine £200
Glen Ord £250
Glenkinchie £250
Inchgower £200
Mannochmore £200
Royal Lochnagar £250

TASTING NOTES

Mannochmore™ 1998/2009, 59.1%, cask #6582, bottle 398/588, (Bodega sherry European oak

Colour: Rich amber with a gun-metal tint. Oily with elegant legs.
Nose:  Firm but not entrenched. Deceptive early aromas of linseed oil and putty quickly give way to a sharp, fresh, forest-fruit compote underscored by white chocolate, vanilla and beeswax. Water banishes the waxiness in an explosion of light, fruit-salad freshness.
Body:  Dense; though lightly syrupy with water.
Palate:  Fiery and insistent: An oily balance of sweet and sharp notes on a charred base of burnt orange peel; crêpes suzettes flamed for just a fraction too long in orange eau de vie. Lighter, more delicate and cooling with water; filled with the flavour of summer fruits, orange blossom and a whiff of peppermint.
Finish:  Warming and mentholic at cask strength; soft and fragrant with water. A surprising late sweetness, cut with orange oil, balances velvet-smooth, lengthy tannins and some very late, rounded, and much appreciated, smoke.
Comment:  A rich whisky at cask strength, perhaps moving to the after dinner slot; with water, more of the classic Mannochmore floral and fruit freshness. In both cases a beautiful balance of citrus sharpness and oaky-vanilla notes

Glenkinchie™ 1992/2009, 58.1%, cask #502, bottle 345/528, (European oak)

Colour:  Pale gold; Chardonnay.
Nose:  Delicate and refined with soft hints of lemon semifreddo and top notes of fresh straw and barley sugar. Later, smooth honey-and-lemon and the scent of marshmallows. With water, sweet and floral notes: Tuberose or Turkish delight dusted with powder sugar on a cereal base.
Body:  Rich and creamy.
Palate:  Light and drying. Immediate fresh citrus quickly develops into liquorice and eucalyptus notes at cask strength. Mineral hints. Rounded, cooling and faintly spicy with water.
Finish:  The fruit tang quickly gives way to lengthy mature oak off-set by creamy vanilla notes and very late menthol. Cooling with water; silky, yet drying. Cleansing. Appetising late cereal.
Comment:  A very delicate whisky composed of complex, though beautifully balanced, elements: Mediterranean citrus, exotic florals and creamy vanilla. Long and smooth in structure, and though light throughout, it is never superficial.

Glen Ord™ 1997/2009, 59.2%, cask #10181, bottle 089/204, (Bourbon American oak)

Colour:  Cool gold with warm, orange hints in sunlight.
Nose:  A quiet, confident complexity. Slightly winey with apple stalks, pear skins and suggestions of Cuban tobacco. Later, a balance of autumnal fruit acidity with hints of orange zest and Cognac warmth. Later still, mature, drying oak: pleasantly dusty with a trace of vanilla pod.
Body:  Medium. Extraordinarily silky with water.
Palate:  Rich and warming; oily and orangey. Then clean, drying oak: smooth dark cocoa, white chocolate and orange oil; moving to aromatic cedar, new leather and hints of spirits of turpentine. Richer and cooler with water; smoother, silkier and with the merest suggestion of peat.
Finish:  Long and rounded with a loving warmth. White chocolate mousse sprinkled with orange zest and shavings of fruity south American chocolate. Later, more cedar and tobacco: the memory of a walk-in humidor.
Comment:  A fabulously refined bourbon wood experience: an exquisite balance of fresh vanilla and oaky dryness; of oily richness and orange acidity. The courteous, urbane sophistication of Glen Ord and the youthful confidence of American oak producing a truly adult whisky.

Dailuaine™ 1997/2009, 58.6%, cask #8476, bottle 381/564, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Antique gold; polished phosphor bronze.
Nose:  Fat. Immediate oaked chardonnay notes are balanced by big, soft, treacly, wodges of gingery Yorkshire Parkin. Later, slices of buttered malt loaf spread with honey and marmalade. Water reveals huge depth; Muscat notes of honey, buttery-vanilla and tropical fruits are complimented by cleansing wood-smoke.
Body:  Very rich; very dense.
Palate:  Warming. Spicy. Soft fig rolls. Medjool dates and smooth dark Swiss chocolate. Cooling and oilier with water: hints of menthol, aniseed and burnt sweet-shortcrust pastry.
Finish:  Smooth and warming. Creamy vanilla notes complement a syrupy ginger pudding spiciness. Later; drying, herbal oak. Lighter and longer with water, and seductive suggestion of Cherry-wood smoked malt.
Comment:  Instantly comforting, it is extremely well balanced at cask strength; taking time to reveal the full, indulgent, depth of fruity malt, creamy oak and smoke notes. Water cools, softens and dries. An incredibly pleasing and affirming whisky.

Royal Lochnagar™ 1994/2009, 59.3%, cask #837, bottle 346/528, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Rich coppery-gold. Light legs.
Nose:  Big. Initially drying with slightly dusty, oaky notes; then masses of sherry. Homemade rum and raisin ice cream – dense with vanilla and tropical spice. In the far distance, pine resin and wraith-like phenols. Water releases patisserie aromas of glazed fruit tarts and orange blossom; later, sherbet powder [Keli for Scots].
Body:  Light to medium.
Palate:  Hot, thin and drying at cask strength. Herbal. Clove with hints of eucalyptus. Liquorice bitterness and linseed oil seek to obscure a base note of rich fruit-cake; and there is also a fugitive note of red berry tartness. Softer and sweeter with water; treacle toffee and orange oil soften some crunchy cereal notes.
Finish:  Warming and mentholic with a toasted cereal graininess. Again, clove and aniseed but now moderated with some molasses sweetness and a delicate, late cocoa dryness. With water, a richer dried fruit character emerges against a dustier, nuttier background.
Comment:  Mature oak harmonizes beautifully with the spice and cereal signature of Royal Lochnagar. An indulgent nose, rich in creamy vanilla and sweet, spicy notes, joined with a lengthy, malty palate. This expression also retains a pleasing light fruity freshness throughout.

Inchgower™ 1993/2009, 61.9%, cask #7917, bottle 369/564, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Deep, polished mahogany with crimson flashes in sunlight.
Nose:  Initially, very reserved. Notes of liquorice, bubblegum and clove top the faintest hints of sawn oak, burnt oak and bitumen. Suggestions, too, of the sea; brine, ozone and salt air. Fresher with water; traces of pear, red apple, eucalyptus, linseed oil and sandalwood.
Body:  Thick.
Palate:  Astonishingly cool at first. Dense, with a near-impenetrable herbal bitterness. Italian bitters [Fernet Branca]. Rapidly becomes fierce and intensely drying. Pure liquorice and strong Assam black teas. Water transforms some tannin character into a perfumed, slightly oily, sweetness with hints of quinine and citrus pith.
Finish:  Beyond bitterness comes enormous complexity: Myrrh-like in its resinous astringency it hints at molasses sweetness; peat and tar, brine and ozone; burnt fruit cake, and late bitter chocolate.
Comment:  The essence of this exceptional malt, of truly hard core complexity when taken at cask strength, lies almost wholly in the finish. Though a challenge to decode, it will eventually yield its secrets with a little water and a patience.

Caol Ila™ 1997/2009, 58.0%, cask #14185, bottle 073/366, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Gloriously attractive; clear, sparkly amber. Lightly viscous.
Nose:  Instant. Fresh. Invigorating. At first, acetic dryness fuses with honey, Beech wood-smoke, salty sea air and lemon juice. Wood-smoke rapidly becomes full-on coal tar as phenols move to the fore. Then, with water, a subtle, tropical fruit sweetness plays with its savoury partners; toasted cumin, porcini and sage-butter.
Body:  Light. Soft.
Palate:  Instant phenol. Sensuous. Coating. Pure smoke briefly cut through by a honeyed sweetness. Later fresh fennel and tarragon; followed by drying, oaky, vanilla and crunchy, grainy cereals.
Finish:  Long and smooth; sweet, smoky, herbal, earthy and peppery. Traces of clove. Splendidly savoury: the earthiness of beetroot, roasted with salt and virgin olive oil in a wood fired oven. Comforting late smoky breath. Complete.
Comment:  An outstanding whisky that just can’t help playing games with us: Is it sweet? Where’s the acid gone. Nope – here’s the lemon. Wait, where’s the honey? But that’s olive oil! Throughout, an unpredictable interplay of sweet, tart, savoury and smoky notes; astonishingly fresh and ferociously appetising. Caol Ila never fails to engage, surprise and delight.